Forest Service bombed in Nevada

A bomb blew out windows and ripped a hole in the wall of a Toiyabe Forest Service office in Carson City, Nev., in the early evening of March 30. No one was injured in the explosion, which scattered debris and damaged computer equipment in the office of District Ranger Guy Pence in downtown Carson City. The day before, a pipe bomb blew up a concrete toilet in a Forest Service campground near Elko, Nev., and on March 31, the Toiyabe National Forest headquaters in Sparks, Nev., had to be evacuated after a receptionist reportedly received a call saying: "You're next." This latest bombing occurs as tensions mount between ranchers and miners who use public lands and federal land managers. "I'm angry, but I'm not surprised," said Guy Pence, as he rummaged through his office looking for an Employee Guide to Home Rule the Forest Service had distributed in Nevada a week earlier. The 10-page guide outlines the "county supremacy movement," and advises employees to avoid confrontations, maintain radio contact, have law enforcement backup, and to carry the telephone number of the U.S. Attorney in case "you are arrested for carrying out your duties on public lands." The Forest Service has scheduled workshops and training sessions for employees as well as community meetings throughout Nevada to try to head off more violence. The agency and the FBI have offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the Carson City bomber. Toiyabe National Forest headquarters can be reached at 702/331-6444, or 702/355-5311.